What to do when you live in a snow globe

This is the scene I encountered first thing this morning after a cheerful weekend spent with my Mom, Chris, and Nona:

Judging by the gossip we heard 'round the city regarding the mere possibility of snow over the weekend, my guess is that it doesn't snow much in Seattle. I, on the other hand, was thrilled to see what looked like a giant snow globe outside my window because it meant that I was going to be able to spend time in our kitchen. Besides, what's more appropriate on a blustery winter day than hot maple syrup served over buttery french toast?

I leaned on Molly Wizenberg's french toast recipe for the custard and my Nona for Hawaiian Sweet Bread, which is a lot like Challah only with a deep, rum-like fragrance. Because this bread is softer, I'd recommend either leaving it out to dry a bit and/or cutting the custard soaking time in half.

And don't fret about finding the bread - if my Mom can find it in Watertown, South Dakota something tells me it's easy to find elsewhere. I purchased this loaf in the bakery of my local Safeway.

Pure maple syrup is a must! Chris and I purchased this tin during a trip to Vancouver in the fall.

The powdered sugar seemed quite appropriate on a day like today...

Recovery + Christmas Knitting List

Nearly the moment I pressed "publish" on my last post, I noticed I wasn't feeling well. My ears and forehead were hot, my body ached, and I was having chills. I told Chris I thought I had a fever and, sure enough, the thermometer confirmed: 101.7 degrees. The days following are a blur for both Chris and I now: In and out of the ER Monday, back to the ER the next day, admitted to the hospital for the subsequent days of the work week. Skin biopsies, blood cultures, and a lumbar puncture later, and I'm starting to feel like myself again. Friday night was a triumph because it was the first night in six that my fever didn't soar to 102 and higher. Saturday was one for the books because Chris took me for a walk around the block on a perfect, sunny fall afternoon. I got to hold his hand and kick leaves around on the sidewalk as I shuffled my feet. On Halloween evening, Chris put on a Robot helmet and answered our door with candy for the kids while I watched from the couch. What a treat! The kid dressed as a robot penguin stole our hearts!!

I've been telling friends and family that it appears Chris and I have the "in sickness and in health" part of marriage down already.

The question on my mind today is: now what? I'm on too many pain meds to go to work and I'm too ornery to lie down all day. I take a lot of breaks, but I like to be working on something. Knitting seemed to be a good choice. Besides, I hadn't put together my knitting Christmas list yet and that could take some sitting and surfing as well as digging through magazines and my own yarn stash for ideas and exercise.

In leu of giving away my Christmas presents two months early, I thought that I would provide links to knitting and/or sewing sources I am all but addicted to.  

Rowan Knitting Magazine: Always a good place for both trendy and classic design work. Caution, however, you may not finish that wonderful sweater before spring - their stuff can be complicated!
Purl Soho/The Purl Bee: The ladies at this popular New York yarn shop are fabulous, as are their designs.
Spud and Chloe: Last year I made the Braided Scarf, Modern Rib Hat, and Rambling Cable Scarf

I find Ravelry to be a bit overwhelming, but there are always great patterns there if you have the time to sift through all of them!

Perhaps I'll photograph everything I make in the next few months and throw a little Christmas present opening via the blog?

The doctor told me that he was curious how my condition would affect me. I have to admit I was taken back by the comment. I would be fine, after all, and there are plenty of people sicker than I am for longer than I have been. I'm feeling better and will no doubt be back to 100% soon, but to have my health do a 180 over night was scary for all of us. Especially because we don't even know what caused it. I'm trying to keep perspective and just do the best I can to enjoy the day.